Arsenal reach agreement with Monchi over three-year deal

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Arsenal have reportedly agreed a three-year deal with Spanish transfer guru Monchi to become their new technical director after leaving AS Roma.

If the report by The Sun is to be believed, Arsenal have taken major steps towards recruiting a new technical director. One of their long-term targets for the position, Monchi, who is now out of a job after leaving AS Roma, has agreed a three-year contract with the Gunners, having been personally suggested by manager Unai Emery.

Monchi is a name that is synonymous with the world of football, when it comes to the position of a technical director or a Director of Football. The Spaniard, who was a goalkeeper in his playing days, made his name as one who had a knack of identifying special talents during his 16-year stay at Sevilla.

AS Roma and Monchi have mutually agreed to bring an early end to their professional relationship.

Monchi: “I would like to thank president Pallotta, the club’s management, staff, players and fans for their support during my time at the club.”

Upon leaving the La Liga club, the 50-year-old had been working with AS Roma until this month, with the Giallorossi parting ways with him and Eusebio Di Franceso in the midst of a difficult season. Now up for grabs, the transfer guru is being linked with a number of clubs, chief among which are Arsenal.

The North Londoners are believed to have had their eyes set on Monchi ever since his days with Sevilla, but ended up losing out to Roma. However, with Sven Mislintat vacating his position as the head of recruitment last month, Arsenal have been looking for a new sporting director amid a backroom shake-up.

Therefore, the timing of Monchi’s departure from the Serie A club could not be more opportune for the Gunners. The Spaniard has been personally recommended by Arsenal manager Unai Emery, who has previously successfully worked with his compatriot at Sevilla for many years.

And, the Premier League heavyweights have taken no time to make their move for the 50-year-old, with the report suggesting that they have tied him down to a three-year deal. The Sun also add that Monchi will work alongside head of football operations Raul Sanllehi.

The swiftness showed by Arsenal is quite impressive, as Monchi could start working over transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window. And, having shown a tendency to unearth gems while working with a shoestring budget – he identified Ivan Rakitic and Dani Carvajal, among others while at Sevilla – he could be exactly what Arsenal need.

The report suggests that Arsenal could confirm the arrival of Monchi as early as this weekend, which would be good news for the club’s fanbase. It now remains to be seen if the Spaniard indeed makes his way to the North London club, where he would reunite with Unai Emery.